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Transportation – Bus and Rail Senior Discounts
Including a list of National Train and Bus Company Discounts
Date: March 30, 2011
Author: David Smidt, SeniorDiscounts

When planning your travel this spring and summer, don’t forget about some of the more scenic ways in which to reach your destination. So many of us are flying or driving these days, that we forget to consider trains and buses as an inexpensive alternative that can provide a great way to see the country.

Trains and buses are typically more cost effective than airlines and can even be a better deal with the discounts available for mature travelers. Since many airlines have discontinued or modified their senior discounts in the past years, finding a comparable senior fare can be difficult.

We have listed some of the senior discounts for bus and rail travel offered by the major national providers. There are also hundreds of local and regional train and bus lines throughout the country, most of which offer some form of senior discount. The discounts at the regional and local level usually range from around 50% off the regular adult fare to free travel for seniors. So once you reach your destination, don’t forget to inquire as to the senior discounts available on the local public transportation.

Next time you are traveling and have a little extra time, look into these alternatives and their discounts:

AMTRAK
www.amtrak.com
Amtrak operates a nationwide rail network, serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states on 21,000 miles of routes, with nearly 19,000 employees.

Discount: Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, a 10% senior discount is applicable to travelers aged 60 and over. Valid proof of age is required when purchasing your ticket and onboard the train. Amtrak also has Children’s Discounts, Student Discounts, Military Discounts and Veteran’s Discounts.

Restrictions: The senior discount is not valid on the Auto Train. The senior discount is not valid on weekday Acela Express trains. The senior discount does not apply to Business class, First class or sleeping accommodation. These upgrades are permitted upon payment of the full accommodation charges. The senior discount is not valid for travel on certain Amtrak Thruway connecting services. The senior discount may not be combinable with other discount offers refer to the terms and conditions for each offer. Additional restrictions may apply.

Greyhound Bus Lines
www.greyhound.com
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than 3,100 destinations with 16,000 daily departures across North America.

Discount: Greyhound passengers age 62 and older may request a 5% discount on unrestricted passenger fares. Appropriate ID may be required. Greyhound also has Children’s Discounts, Student Discounts, Military Discounts and Veteran’s Discounts.

Restrictions: Visit the web site or call for details and any restrictions.

Peter Pan Bus Lines
www.peterpanbus.com
Peter Pan Bus Lines is a long-distance bus carrier that operates in the northeastern states of the United States. Over four million passengers travel on Peter Pan’s bus routes every year.

Discount: A 5% discount on One-Way and Round-Trip unrestricted adult fares is available to customers 62 years of age and older. Children’s and military discounts are also available.

Restrictions: Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotional fares. Not available online please visit an authorized ticket agent.

Trailways Transportation System
www.trailways.com
Trailways is a regionally-based ground transportation system that is comprised of privately owned and operated companies (franchisees) throughout the United States.

Discount: Many of the privately owned and operated companies, which are franchised by Trailways Transportation System, provide discounts to seniors. Visit the Trailways web site for links to the various operators and to search for their discounts.

Restrictions: Age requirements and discount amounts will vary by each provider.

VIA Rail Canada
www.viarail.ca
VIA operates trains in all regions of Canada over a network spanning the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay. They also have stops in various northern US cities.

Discount: As a traveler 60 years of age or over, one can save year round on the adult regular fare in Economy class. (Discounts are usually around 10% from the original fare price.) Simply choose the 60+ fare when booking online.

© SeniorDiscounts

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